Fawaz Gerges is a leading authority on international relations and Middle Eastern politics, widely recognised for his role as Professor of International Relations and the Middle East at the London School of Economics and Director of the LSE Middle East Centre. Holding the Emirates Professorship in Contemporary Middle East Studies, Fawaz is sought after for his deep expertise in geopolitical dynamics, Islamist movements and global security. His ability to translate complex global issues into clear, engaging insights has made him a highly respected motivational speaker for organisations seeking to better understand an increasingly uncertain world.
Fawaz’s academic journey laid the foundation for his influential career. He earned a MSc from the London School of Economics before completing a DPhil at Oxford University, equipping him with a rigorous understanding of international affairs. Early in his career, he contributed as a writer for Foreign Affairs, establishing himself as a credible voice in global policy discussions. His work has been shaped by extensive field research, including interviews with hundreds of civil society leaders, activists and Islamist figures across the Middle East and Europe. This direct engagement has given Fawaz a rare, ground level perspective on the forces shaping political and social change.
Throughout his career, Fawaz has received widespread recognition for his contributions to the field. He has been honoured with prestigious fellowships from organisations including MacArthur, Fulbright and Carnegie, alongside receiving the Saïd Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award. As an accomplished author, his books such as The Great Betrayal: The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy in the Middle East, ISIS: A History and The Rise and Fall of Al Qaeda have become essential reading for those seeking to understand contemporary geopolitics. His expertise has also been featured across major global media platforms, including CNN, BBC and Al Jazeera, where he provides authoritative commentary on international affairs.
As a motivational speaker, Fawaz stands out for his ability to connect global events with leadership, resilience and decision making in business contexts. Drawing on decades of research and first hand experience, he offers audiences practical frameworks for navigating uncertainty, managing risk and understanding cultural complexity. His talks challenge conventional thinking, encouraging organisations to adopt a more informed and strategic approach to global change. With a compelling blend of academic insight and real world relevance, Fawaz empowers audiences to think critically, act decisively and lead with greater awareness in an interconnected world.
